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I shrugged. “I didn’t know. Mom hasn’t exactly been keeping me alert of everything.” As after thought I said, “Thank God.”
Laine’s mouth dropped who’d nearly tripped as we entered at the sight of a fountain in the middle of the foyer. “Umm, I think I’ve stepped into a Fifty Shades of Grey novel.”
Me, spotting the seventh woman in a grey gown, added, “Literally.”
Moving through the throng, I searched for sight of my mother.
“I’m so thankful I listened to you!” Laine exclaimed, motioning to her gown. It was a sweet heart top like mine, but unlike mine, that was off the shoulders with short sleeves and floor length, hers was short up-front giving view to her long legs, and the top had silk straps that were thumb width. I’d gone for an upswept hair style, while she’d let her short locks hang.
I smiled, I was happy I’d listened to my mom’s words this time. Most of what she’d said about her wedding had fallen to the wayside. I had a pretty great memory, but the mutterings about decorations and three options of white had been hard to retain.
Laine’s voice broke into my thoughts when she jerked her hand up, pointing at something behind us.
Tyrone’s eyes focused. “Oh, there’s your mom.” He walked up to my side, Tyrone knew my mother as well. He’d become her best friend, after she’d sent him lunch boxes when he’d gone to away games. “And—” He frowned.
I glanced up at him, seeing his smile fall a bit. Deciding to turn around and see what made Tyrone’s face change, I found not only my mother and my future father walking towards me, but Connor walked beside them.
His handsome suit was deep, dark blue. His hair had been swept back and away from his face, his bow had a clip, with a single black opal that winked at me. He was handsome, almost too handsome.
In fact, when the three stopped in front of me, I turned my eyes to Tyrone and smiled to avoid looking at him. “Mom, look who I brought.”
My mom immediately beamed at Tyrone. “If it isn’t the football player who loves my cooking.”
“That’s right, Ms. Celli.” Tyrone leaned down, pulling mom into a tight hug. “You know all I think about is your turnips and chicken.”
“And I’m happy to make them for you anytime.” Pulling back, she smiled up at him. “Does your momma know you’ve become so-o…handsome?”
Tyrone smirked, rubbing a hand along his jaw. “Aye, she might know a bit.”
“A bit?” Laine interrupted with a scoff, she leaned forward as if imparting a secret. “Why do you think he came to Nashville? His momma’s been trying to set him up with some of her friends’ daughters.”
Tyrone gave Laine a mock annoyed look. “Ms. C doesn’t need to know all of that, Lainie.”
“Oh, seems I’ll have to call your mother, so we can help each other out.” My mom sent me a weighty look. “It’s about time Toya started looking for man herself.”
I laughed, “Right, maybe I should marry Tyrone, so I can get some peace.”
“Right!” Tyrone joked, taking my arm in his. He leaned down, pretending to whisper. “Let’s get hitched in Las Vegas, at least then we can divorce after they think we are fit to be tied.”
I shook my head at his joking, when my true prey spoke.
“Mom, weren’t you going to show Toya the ice room?” Connor asked, breaking into the friendly flirting. He was smiling, but his eyes were cool as ice as he looked at me. “I can escort her to it, so you can greet the other guests.”
My mom not thinking there was anything to his request gasped a little, glancing down at the delicate gold watch that graced her wrist. Another gift from her obviously, wealthy beau. “Right, Connor, you’re such a great help.” She sent a grateful smile his way before she turned to Hunter. “Let’s go to the front so we can see if there’s anyone else here we need to say ‘hi’ to.”
“After my lady,” Hunter said, with a swagger that was amusing.
We watched them leave. A hand entered my purview. Half-turning, I found cold eyes staring at me. “Shall we?”
Not looking at Tyrone and Laine, I gave a short nodded taking his hand. “Laine, I’ll be back.”
“See ya’, Ty and I will be holding up at the appetizer table.” I could hear the frown in her voice. “If there is such a thing in this place.”
Connor’s grip was light as he led me through the crowd. Coming to the stairs that lead us up to the second landing, we walked some ways down an ornately decorated hall way. Stopping in front of double doors, Connor let go of my hand and stepped aside so that I could enter.
I glanced at him, but his face gave away nothing. Whatever he had planned, he wouldn’t give me the pleasure of knowing how cruel his next move would be.
As I entered the room, my attention was caught with how dark the room was. It was like walking into the midnight sky, only it was lit with what felt like thousands of crystals; giving the feel of icy stars surrounding you.
